1. Try to not touch, sneeze, splatter liquids, etc. on the screen.  The screens are fragile and can get scratched or distorted. DO NOT USE WINDOW CLEANERS OR TOWELS TO CLEAN. Clean screen with microfiber cloth that came with new computer or a clean cotton cloth (t-shirt).  Use water if necessary but no cleaner.
2. Try to always carry your laptop in a backpack, carry bag, etc that has a protective pocket or make your own protective pocket with bubble wrap, foam rubber, etc.  Try to use a bag that is not an obvious computer bag that would welcome thieves.
3. The laptops have been set to automatically update CSUBS’s antivirus and security programs—make sure you bring the computers to school and connect to the wireless network at least once per week to have the anti virus program and Windows updates automatically occur.
4. Set your computer to show file extensions so that you can avoid file types you know that have been identified as possible problems.
5. Set to tablet and Rotate screen if desired-follow directional arrow [page 41+ in Gateway Convertable Notebook PC User Guide]
6. Calabrate pen placement for the screen [page 52 in Gateway Convertable Notebook PC User Guide]
7. Use only the pens that came with the computer, other pens, pencils, etc do not work and could damage the screen.  Do not strike or press the screen more then necessary.
8. Connect to AC power when possible
9. Make sure exhaust fan is clear, don't set a running laptop on a blanket.
10. Printing: Printing: Save files to be printed to a flashdrive (can be purchased for under $20 from CompUSA, BestBuy, etc.) Take to library or a friends computer plug in flash drive and print
11. Wireless where can you connect to the web with wireless laptops:CSUB –Title V area, Library/ 24 hour study room and parking lot, Cafeteria, DDH hallway, Student Union.  You can do a search and find “hotspots” (Google  for Wireless +hotspots)
    (a) CSUB –Title V area, Library/ 24 hour study room and parking lot, Cafeteria, DDH hallway, Student Union.  You can do a search and find “hotspots” (Google  for Wireless +hotspots)
    (b) Home? Don’t know —if you have an ISP with modem, DSL or cable-sorry you can use your laptop with these. It's up to the individual to make arrangements. You can research (Google +ISP) and find least expensive, possibly local ISP’s

Communicating

1. Avoid virus, spyware, etc. by communicating only with those you know with IM (AIM, Yahoo Messenger, etc.)
2. Only open email messages that you have confidence are from a legitimate source, those you are expecting an attachment from and the content and purpose are described in the message.  With new techniques hackers and spammers have been able to send messages using addresses that seem to be from legitimate sources (friends, banks, Ebay, companies you do business with, etc.) The best policy is to delete any suspicious message.
3. To avoid adware or spyware watch out for unwanted components while installing programs especially freebies.  Some legitimate companies may also try and install programs that allow access to your personal information and possible hacker access [Sony].  If new programs unexpectedly show up on your taskbar or browser toolbar you have probably been stung by adware or spyware—check with the CSUB Help desk.

Web Browsing

9. Browse more securely by using the browsers security
10. Don’t accept any request from a web page that says you need to download a file in order to view a specific web page unless you are confident this is legit.  We have installed all the major components (Acrobat Reader, QuickTime, etc.) on your computer so a request like this has a  have high probability of being adware, spyware or a Trojan horse that allows others to access your computer and possibly even turn your computer into an illegal server.
11. Avoid “free” music and video downloads. There are some legitimate “free” music and video shorts sites but the illegal sites often install nefarious programs on your computer and downloading from these sites violates copyright laws and makes you and CSUB responsible. Use Apple, Wal-Mart, YouTube etc. pay music web sites to download music. Remember if it sounds “too good to be true” it is likely not true! Call the Helpdesk if you have questions about a site..

Problems with your laptop?

(a) Need upgrades or new software?

      Take your laptop to the main lab in the library basement and check with the person at the Helpdesk. 

(b) Hardware problems

      If you have a hardware problem take the computer to the Helpdesk and notify McNair office if it has to be repaired